744 OPENING OP SESSION AT ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE * 
find, in the exercise of his new functions, that he needs 
assistance, I can assure him that he could have met with no 
colleagues more willing to aid him—so far as in them lies— 
than those with whom he is now associated. 
As the present is the first occasion on which Professor 
Robertson has assumed an official position in this theatre, I 
trust I may be permitted to tender him our hearty welcome, 
and to express the hope that between himself and his col¬ 
leagues there may develop that esteem and unity of action so 
essential to the pleasurable and satisfactory performance of 
our duties, and consequently to the welfare and reputation 
of the institution. 
My list of recent changes would be incomplete were I to 
omit to notice the rise in position which has been conferred 
by the governors on Mr. Steel. This gentleman still 
retains the post of senior demonstrator* but he has now 
become, in addition, the lecturer on anatomy. 
No better appointment could, I believe, have been made. 
Mr. Steel was a hard-working and distinguished pupil, 
and he has proved himself to be a competent and popular 
teacher, as well as an author of no mean ability. I am sure 
I may take it for granted that Mr. Steel has the best 
wishes of every one present for a long and prosperous career 
in the honorable and important position to which he has 
been elevated. 
With this digression from what I conceive to be my strict 
path of duty on the present occasion, I abandon topics of 
general interest and proceed to specially address those 
among my younger auditors who, as soon as they have satis¬ 
fied the authorities of their proficiency in scholastic educa¬ 
tion, will be added to the matriculus or roll of pupils of this 
College. 
The first thing I would advise the fresh-men to do, if 
they have not already done so, is to obtain from our much 
respected secretary, Mr. Powys, a copy of the prospectus 
relating to students, and a copy of the syllabus of each 
course of lectures and demonstrations. Read these produc¬ 
tions carefully in order that you may gain an insight into 
the nature and extent of the work before you, as w r ell as 
acquire a knowledge of the regulations with which it is 
imperative that you should strictly comply. 
The contemplation of the apparently numerous studies 
with which you will have to be engaged, may have the 
effect of disheartening many of you. However, be not 
afraid ; approach your work manfully, and with a thorough 
determination to conquer all difficulties. 
